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Wailea Beach
One of the more popular beaches in Maui, Wailea beach is located behind the Grand Wailea Resort.
Wailea Beach — Quick Facts
- Location: South Maui, near Grand Wailea and Four Seasons Maui.
- Public access: Use designated public beach access and follow posted parking rules. Confirm parking availability and any fees before leaving your vehicle; keep a backup plan if the lot is full.
- Plan for: A shoreline visit. Do not rely on calm-water or year-round swimming assurances.
- Snorkeling: Hawaii Ocean Safety advises snorkeling only if you are an experienced ocean swimmer. Check conditions before considering the water.
- Amenities: Bring drinking water and what you need for a shoreline visit. Confirm restroom and shower availability on arrival, and ask each resort before using its facilities, rentals or restaurants.
- Ocean safety: Do not plan on lifeguard coverage at Wailea. For swimming, choose a lifeguarded beach, ask about conditions and stay out when unsure. Hawaii Ocean Safety advises snorkeling only if you are an experienced ocean swimmer. Obey posted warning signs and keep children within reach near the water.
This crescent-shaped beauty is the poster child for Hawaiian beaches at their best. Why? It offers most people all they need.
For swimming, choose a lifeguarded beach, ask about conditions and stay out when unsure. Keep children within reach near the water, and obey posted warnings.
Before renting water equipment, check current ocean conditions and your ability to use it. Hawaii Ocean Safety recommends using a licensed vendor and learning how to use the equipment before entering the water.
One day will never do with this beach vying for your attention every hour you are here.
This beach definitely has a resort vibe, dotted with umbrellas and an array of tourists and locals abound. If you don’t mind a more crowded type of beach, you’ll love this one.
Use permitted public access routes and obey barriers. Ask a resort about its visitor and restaurant policies before entering private facilities.
Where: If coming from Kihei Head south on Piilani Highway. Make a right onto Wailea Ike Road. Turn left at Wailea Alanui. Look for the signs to the beach
Parking and access: Use designated public beach access and follow posted parking rules. Confirm parking availability and any fees before leaving your vehicle; keep a backup plan if the lot is full.
Before entering the water: Do not plan on lifeguard coverage at Wailea. For swimming, choose a lifeguarded beach, ask about conditions and stay out when unsure. Hawaii Ocean Safety advises snorkeling only if you are an experienced ocean swimmer. Obey posted warning signs and keep children within reach near the water.
Top tip: Make the shoreline visit worthwhile on its own. If you add a walk or meal, check the permitted route and restaurant arrangements first. Do not choose another beach on the assumption that its water will be calmer or its sand less crowded.
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